NBA Insider Reveals Secret Anthony Davis Trade Talks Before Luka Doncic Came Into Picture

NBA: Los Angeles Lakers at Dallas Mavericks - Source: Imagn
NBA Insider Reveals Secret Anthony Davis Trade Talks Before Luka Doncic Came Into Picture. [photo: Imagn]

The Luka Doncic trade for Anthony Davis has gotten even more attention following the firing of former Dallas Mavericks GM Nico Harrison. NBA insider Shams Charania reported on Tuesday that it was Harrison’s idea and decision to swap Doncic for Davis. Mavs team owner Patrick Dumont dismissed Harrison roughly nine months after the trade that stunned the basketball world.

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Brett Siegel, another NBA insider, added a new layer to the Doncic-Davis story with a post on X on Thursday:

“Tomorrow’s topic: Anthony Davis and tensions that existed within the Lakers, including secret trade talks that took place before Luka Doncic was an option.”
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The LA Lakers acquired Anthony Davis in the summer of 2019 following a blockbuster trade with the New Orleans Pelicans. He played as LeBron James’ co-superstar, leading the team to the 2020 championship. Davis, though, missed 171 games over the previous six seasons due to different injuries

This season, he has played in only five of the Mavericks’ 12 games because of a left calf strain. He has appeared just 16 times, which includes two play-in tournament games, for the Mavs since the trade in February.

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The Lakers, with the aging LeBron James as their superstar, possibly looked at options involving Davis. Brett Siegel will dig into those scenarios when he publishes his story on Friday.


Anthony Davis’ status for Friday’s game against LA Clippers remains uncertain

Anthony Davis has been listed as questionable in the Dallas Mavericks’ last three games, but he has not played since Oct. 29. ESPN reported on Wednesday that AD was supposed to return on Saturday against the Washington Wizards before Patrick Dumont sidelined him.

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NBA insider Tim McMahon wrote:

“Patrick Dumont has requested medical data indicating that Anthony Davis is not at risk of aggravating his left calf strain before giving a green light for the 10-time All-Star big man to return.”

According to McMahon, the Mavericks are erring on the side of caution, particularly after Tyrese Haliburton ruptured his Achilles in June. The Indiana Pacers guard played through a calf strain, an issue that led to a catastrophic injury. Haliburton will not play during the 2025-26 season. Dumont wanted to avoid the same scenario, which is why Davis’ status remains uncertain.

The Mavericks own a 3-9 record, second-worst in the Western Conference. Despite their struggles, Dumont does not want Davis to return without risking a major injury.

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Edited by Michael Macasero
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